Testimonials

"Pregnancy massage

I met Jill when overdue with our second baby, suffering from a very drawn out pre-labour that made life really hard.  An induction massage the midwife suggested...? I was given a lovely little card for Karool.
Lying with my uncomfortable pregnant body on the table allowed me to take some time out from the rigours of those last couple of weeks of pregnancy and to slip away to a relaxing place.  It was an important tools to tune in to what my body (and Jill!) was telling me... wait, this baby will come.
My body got more and more ready to have our baby and Jill was a vital person in helping relax about an overdue, pre-labouring birth that just never seemed to want to arrive.  Jill also helped by showing me the pressure points that became more and more sore before labour really arrived this was great to help me to trust that I was getting ready.
And finally our baby arrived.  But I didn’t stop seeing Jill for massages, just now I get to lie face down on the table and slip away into relaxing bliss with some much needed respite from how busy that new baby is!  

Baby massage

I have enjoyed massaging our kids with simple techniques, but Jill was able to talk me through a flowing baby massage that offers our babies the kind of relaxing experience we get when Jill is at work!  What a dear way to relax parent, baby, moisturise their skin and support their growth.  Thanks, I am better for knowing that a massage is more than just applying the oil to their skin."

X Laura

"Karool - an experience like no other - 12:33 PM

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to get a massage with Jill Dobkin at her studio which she calls 'Karool', the Australian Aboriginal word for 'Stone'. Located in the Narrabundah business park, it is definitely one of Canberra's best kept secrets.

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this gem at my weekly pilates class in which Jill is a participant. Jill suggested that I should come and pay her a visit after displaying my obvious muscle soreness and tightness in our last class (post SEs mind you) and I accepted, after all what did i have to lose!

After an initial consultation where Jill asked questions about my current health, injuries and general well-being based upon which she then created a self-care strategy plan to enable me to live a better quality lifestyle which she sent me shortly after the treatment. After the assessment, I was rewarded with 2hrs of pure bliss. I had warm basalt stones to sooth and relax my tired muscles..Reflexology to subtly release tension from various parts of my body...It was an experience like no other i've had before. I left 'Karool' feeling refreshed, energized, relax and like a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders...My body hadn't felt this good in a long time!

To say the least, I'd say Jill is a magician but don't just take my word for it and go pay Jill a visit yourself!!!"

http://miffyg.blogspot.com/2010/05/karool-experience-like-no-other.html

Miffy

 

"Jill is the best massage therapist I have ever had work on my body. The massage is deep connective tissue work combined with a holistic approach that makes you feels valued and loved. The massage is not just a massage....Jill puts her heart and soul into you from the minute she meets you and the physical and mental connectedness continues for the whole session.  I have a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal condition that requires regular treatment and Jill's whole body therapy allows me to manage without resorting to analgesics.  I also keep very fit with swimming, walking, weight training, Pilates and skiing in winter and if it weren't for Jill's massages I would be restricted in these physical pursuits which I love. As a general practitioner with sports medicine and occupational medicine experience, I am well aware of the benefits of massage and the well-being that goes with not only physical therapy but also the 'time-out' element for those with busy lives.  In addition, Jill provides a service to her clients with regular emails on a variety of health conditions, treatments and self-help remedies.  These often arrive just when you need them!  Jill is available to personal clients as well as corporate sessions - certainly a way for businesses to keep their workers physically and mentally well!  Go on, do it now......reward yourself today!" 

Dr Caroline Luke

Dear anybody who needs one of the most wonderful massages ever - pick up that phone and make an appointment to see Jill!! She'll take your body in her capable hands and mould it, move it, create incredible flow and synchronise all those fibres in a way you won't have felt before. At the end of one of Jill's massages, I always feel that every cell has been reached and given new energy. At the same time, I'm relaxed and restful. Ready for anything, in fact. Do I sound enthusiastic? You bet. I've had massage from Sydney to London to Vancouver and beyond; and I'm so grateful that the best yet is right here in Canberra.

Doreen - 19 September 2009

You certainly worked your magic on me at my last visit.  Even by that afternoon I felt heaps better and by the following morning I had no more neck pain (which I had been enduring for weeks and weeks) - Thank you sooo much!!!!

 I'll be in touch soon for another session.

(Karool Client, Sept 09)

"The band members from Alice Cooper told me that when you laid your hands on them, they knew right away everything was going to be okay."

Darcy Lynch,Owner of Stage Hands Massage Therapy

I am 58 and have been playing sport nearly all of my life and have suffered all forms of injuries necessitating all forms of treatments ranging from accupuncture, physio, massage and chiro but the best results I have ever had have been from the massages I get from Jill at Karool Massage clinic.  Her dedication and enthusiasm are just exceptional and her technique is amazing. She totally dedicates herself to my treatment and the results are fantastic.I will never go to any other clinic while ever Jill is available and my three adult children also think the same of her.  She is simply outstanding and I cannot praise her enough.  Well done Jill.

Ralph Scrivens (Sept. 09)

‘I am really happy to have found Karool massage. My regular visits have relieved shoulder and neck tension, headaches, fatigue and emotional stress. I always leave in a calmer and happier state.
Jill has created a safe and calming environment and has a healing and intuitive style I have not found elsewhere – a very special find.’

(i didn’t mention the thumbs of steel)

Annelise (Sept. 09)

I went to Jill for my first-ever massage. I was in quite a bit of pain which Jill diagnosed as piriformis syndrome. After two wonderful remedial massages and a couple of weeks of “ball-rolling” exercises, the pain disappeared. Thanks so much Jill – you are a miracle worker, but most of all I appreciate your professional knowledge and advice.

Gill R. (Karool Client--Sept 09)

Step into Karool Massage for a piece of heaven, a workout for your tired, sore muscles and peace for your mind.  Your journey into health doesn't end when you leave your massage session because Jill arms you with advice and exercises to keep you working on your health even when you're not on the massage table.  Jill gets you on track and helps you stay on track.  Karool Massage is much more than a solution for tired muscles; it is the first step in better health, a stronger body and a more positive attitude.

Maya Pool—client, May 09

Jill’s Massage was fantastic.  I have been massaged many a time as I am a cyclist but always left feeling disappointed or the treatment had a band-aid effect.  It was very refreshing to find someone that was interested in my life holistically rather than ‘which muscle is tight’ – there ya go and where is my cash?

I found the massage and most importantly the follow up material has changed my hole view of my body and my cycling.  For once I am aware of what I need to do to maintain my body and not just use it and forget about it.  I have never been a good stretcher  (bad I know) but Jill has instilled in me the importance of this and has inspired me to do it!!!  No other masseuse after 10 years of racing has been able to do this. Not to mention the importance of icing.  Jill has changed the way I think about my body.  I look forward to more massages and follow ups.  If you are frustrated with the massages you are currently getting do yourself a favour and book one with Jill.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed and your body and mind will that you!!!

Ally Roche  (Karool Client, May ’09)

I have visited Jill Dobkin at her Karool Massage studios at Narrabundah recently and find her sessions beneficial.  And whilst I might swear like a trooper when she finds a particularly tender spot, I feel fantastic afterwards.

 

Jane (Karool Client) May 09

I had been looking for a good masseur for years when a friend told me about Jill.  I was sceptical because there are so many different styles but Jill is a great match for me. Although Jill's massage can feel a little like self selected torture at times I always feel brilliant afterwards and have much more flexibility.  She always allows me to choose the level of pressure I can manage but I know that the more I can tolerate the better I will feel - something I have learned about my body over the years. Afterwards I can bend and move comfortably and always have much less pain from chronic conditions.

It is like walking on air. Jill is also fantastic at fixing acute pain - like when I recently fell off my hammock. I also like the extra information Jill gives me and advice on stretches and other exercises.

Karool Client-April 09

 

Time for one’s self is never easy, what with a busy work load coupled with an intense physical form of exercise, riding and competing my horse.

Enter Jill, with her physical and mental capacity to unlock those over worked, under stretched, neglected, tired muscles. This fix for the short term pain is definitely essential for the long term gain.

As always I am indebted to your wise council, your wonderful candour and your great sense of the ridiculous.

Emily ........over 21 years of age

 

Thank you for my beautiful massage that you gave me yesterday. When you massage me I felt…

• Relaxed
• Amazing
• Wonderful
• Excited

And most of all full of energy and very very very giggle!!!

During the massage you said that a massage can be relaxing, exciting, enjoyable, quite, loud and most of all giggle!!!

Thank You Thank You Thank You Jill

I hope to see you soon!!!

From Ronnie or Veronica (age 8)

PS: I’ll work on that belly breathing thing. I hope you like the picture!

 

"Today I had a massage by Jill. I had never met Jill before and I was a little nervous. As soon as I saw her I knew that she was kind. Jill was gentle and asked me lots of questions about my life. I felt relaxed when talking to her. I got on the massage table and I saw a book with a turtle. The turtle represented for me to go slow and gentle in my life. Jill played some music and it sounded like birds and the rainforest and I felt at peace. The massage was very very very good!!!!! It was ten times better than I thought it would be. When Jill massaged my arm I felt a sparkle. She was Divine and I would recommend anyone reading my message to call her. I think she is the best massager in the world.

Samuel Dinn - I am 10 years old

 

The result? Well I have never felt so good. The pain I had, gone! Yes, no more lingering lower back pain, it had absolutely disappeared! What a powerful experience, it was really out of this world. As Jill had nurtured my whole body, any minor pains and tense areas of muscle that I had put up with till then had completely been relaxed and disappeared, allowing my Chi to totally flow… More of the article here

J-R Campion (www.vortexperformancesports.com) 

 

Just a quick line to thank you for the far reaching benefits of the intense and very effective massage last Friday.  The session was very beneficial to me. . . . Already it has partially alleviated me of the physical sporting abuse and fatique that my body endures through my sporting life and work as a cyclist, triathlete and professional sports coach.  I look forward to our future sessions, and will not hesitate to recommend you to my clients as well as other athletes that I meet.

J-R Campion (www.vortexperformancesports.com) 

 

"We all know that massages make you feel great.  As well as being incredibly relaxing, a Karool massage seems to make me more positively aware of myself, physically.  I'm finding that I'm more inclined to look after myself better.  I really wasn't expecting that kind of flow-on effect." 

Karool Client

 

I have had many massages over the years and none compare to those that Jill provides. The preparation before the massage where she seeks to understand the issues that have brought me to her, the massage itself and the follow-up care are extraordinary. Jill’s knowledge and experience with mind-body issues mean that the massage does not begin and end at the table, but extends into all aspects of our lives. Both my husband and I have found Jill’s empathic and deeply respectful manner allowed us to truly ‘let go’ during massages, thereby ensuring a much deeper physical and emotional relaxation than we have experienced before. We feel very lucky to have met Jill!

J & P. 

May 08

 

I came back from Jill's last Monday feeling a lot better than when I drove down her driveway after a long and hard day at my farm.  My neck was stiff and my feet were not much better, but the difference and  ease that I felt in my body, that Jill was able to put back, I had not felt for many weeks. It was the most comfortable and relaxed that I had felt for a long time.  Each week as I drive to the Blue Mountains and back, I have time to check out my body and its wellbeing, this last week it felt great.  So my thanks to you Jill for your tireless, genuine and honourable devotion to making people like me feel great.

MANY MANY THANKS FOR YOUR HELP  AND MUCH LOVE.......

ROBBIE WOOD

"Thanks for your detailed notes on self care, but more particularly  thank you for my beautiful massage. It really was just what I needed. I  was kind of in a rut and pretty seized up so it was absolutely  perfect. Thank you".

Karool Client

"Jill, I love your passion and interest in your own work, can’t wait to see you again for a massage."

Karool Client

"After my massage with Jill not only did I feel relaxed but I felt very centred and grounded.  It is not just a massage to “feel good for a little while” it is ongoing and you can feel your body responding over the following week.  I was amazed that Jill cared enough to contact me the day after to see how I was feeling and explain what my body was doing following the massage.  Her care and attention to you personally is very holistic.  Jill is a real person who has experienced all the physical discomforts that we have and is therefore able to relate so well to you when you talk to her.  What a wonderful person and I feel richer for having met her."

Irene Williams

“Jill’s massage is absolutely fabulous.  She was able to home in very quickly on the tight muscles and gave me instant relief.  I highly recommend Karool, particularly for busy, stressed office workers who spend many hours each day on computers -

Mike Champion – ArtSound FM.”

 

" Definitely the best massage I've had! Jill makes you feel comfortable immediately and has a holistic health approach to massage which keeps me coming back."

Kasey

 

"Thanks for the massage on Saturday. It really relaxed and also rejuvenated me at the same time. I slept really well on Saturday night (in between breastfeeds) and felt wonderful the rest of the weekend "

Alla. New Mother

 

"I felt a huge shift from that massage, I think the two hours really helped. Lots of tension left and I felt great mentally too. . . .I have noticed that my circulation in my hands have improved enormously. Very interesting, so thanks Jill, your focus and work was spot on."

Karool Client

 

"Wow, what a great massage that was, it was meant for me, I really enjoyed it and it wont be the last."

Ralph

 

"Jill has an ability to treat not only the physical body with great skill but also the emotional and spiritual side.  As a new Mum I received much needed nurturing and restoration from Jill's massage.  She was genuinely interested in my well being and I found her to be extremely compassionate and caring.  Jill is extremely gifted at what she does - Thank you Jill :)" 

KS new Mum.